$4,358,388Average Value$1,810Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A community of high-value homes that emphasize the surrounding nature
Portola Valley, nestled into the wooded hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains on the San Francisco Peninsula, is a picturesque town of spacious, multimillion-dollar homes that is known for its extensive network of protected trails that highlights the community’s natural beauty. “To stop future development and to preserve what many people felt was a very, very special place, the town was incorporated in 1964,” says Hugh Cornish, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and longtime town resident. “It’s an unusual place in the sense that it is one of the richest zip codes in the country, but the wealth is very quiet, very reserved. There’s a big emphasis on the natural environment here. We have a tremendous amount of open space.” The town also has its own school district, which features an array of top-rated schools, both public and private, and it is conveniently located on the doorstep of Silicon Valley, just west of Stanford University and adjacent to Interstate 280.
Midcentury modern designs blend into the natural environment
Quiet and reserved also applies to the town’s housing, at least in relation to surrounding communities that are known for their large, garish homes. Portola Valley features a variety of relatively understated homes on oversized lots, generally priced between $2 million and $9 million. Sleek midcentury modern designs are prominent in both established homes and new constructions. “When the area was first being developed in the 1950s and ‘60s, even before incorporation, there was a focus on contemporary architecture that was ahead of its time. It was avant-garde, but it’s never been ostentatious,” says Cornish. “It’s always been more conservative than surrounding areas because the homes seem to blend in to the natural environment very well.” Foremost among the midcentury-modern designs are Eichler homes, built by famed Bay Area developer Joseph Eichler. Ranch-style homes nestled into the mountains, sprawling contemporary custom homes in dedicated subdivisions and quaint renovations can also be found. The residential aesthetic, like the natural environment, is protected. “There are a number of restrictions in architectural styles and sizes because officials want to keep the town looking like it did 50 years ago,” says Cornish. That means the town’s newest homes can offer modern touches, but they must adhere to the restrictions and can’t stray too far from Portola Valley's signature look. “Even now, if you want to build a home in Portola Valley, the process takes a little longer.”
Portola Valley has very large modern homes.
Ranch style homes are common in Portola Valley.
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Protected trails and a popular community center provide recreation
The trail network is concentrated in the southern half of town, starting just south of Alpine Road, Portola Valley’s main thoroughfare. Part of the town’s development included an agreement with the developer that this section of Portola Valley would be preserved as open space in perpetuity so residents would always have access to the trails, which wind their way through the Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve. Hikers are exposed to a variety of native plants and animals along the trails, but they must stay on the designated paths at all times, and bicycles and dogs are not allowed. These rules are strictly enforced to ensure that the tranquility of the preserve is not disturbed. The Alpine Trail also can be accessed in town, and it leads to the adjacent Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. For more contemporary recreation, residents have access to the Alpine Hills Tennis and Swimming Club, which is anchored by 12 tennis courts and three pools of various sizes and includes a clubhouse, fitness center and playground. Portola Valley offers an activity-filled Town Center as well. It provides residents with a library that hosts community events including weekly family storytime, monthly Crafturday sessions and other regular activities such as Lego Club and tai chi class. The center’s community hall offers fitness classes that include yoga, aerobics and jazz dance; and recreational amenities that provide opportunities to play soccer, softball and tennis.
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve features hiking trails in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
Portola Valley has a wonderful library.
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A historic eatery anchors the community's dining options
The retail and dining options that can be found in town are concentrated along Alpine Road. Roberts Market offers not only groceries and sundries, but its deli is a popular place to pick up a meal for those on the go. Rossotti’s Alpine Inn is a quaint eatery that serves up comfort food classics and is known not only for its popular beer garden but also for its tavern, whose roots can be traced to 1852.
Portola Valley's Alpine Inn is a great place to go grab lunch..
Alpine Inn is a great place to grab a beer in Portola Valley.
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Students have access to highly rated public and private schooling
Portola Valley’s public school district includes Ormondale Elementary, an A-rated school by Niche, and Corte Madera, a middle school given an A-plus by Niche. Nearby Woodside High School is part of the Sequoia Union district, but don’t worry, it’s A-rated as well. For those interested in private school, the town is home to Woodside Priory, a co-ed college preparatory school for students in sixth through 12th grades, and Woodland School, an independent day school that serves special needs students in preschool through eighth grade.
Ormondale Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
The front of Woodside High School Oak Knoll.
Woodside Priory provides private education in the neighborhood of
Portola Valley
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Main roadways provides easy work commutes to Silicon Valley
Portola Valley is just minutes from the heart of Silicon Valley and Stanford University, which results in an eclectic group of residents. “There’s an interesting mix of people and professions,” says Cornish. “Nearby is 3000 Sand Hill, known as the venture headquarters of the world, so you have residents working in venture capital, high tech, biotech. And with Stanford University nearby, there are a lot of professors and doctors. It’s a large cross-section.” Alpine Road becomes Sand Hill Road just north of town, providing convenient access to the many venture capital and tech jobs in the area. Additionally convenient is that Interstate 280 can be accessed even closer to town via Alpine Road, allowing for travel north toward San Francisco or east to San Jose.
Electric car charging is easy accessible in Portola Valley.
Cyclists and cars share the roads in Portola Valley.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Astha Mathur,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Portola Valley, CA sell after 309 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Portola Valley, CA over the last 12 months is $16,500,000, up 323% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Mid-century modern diamond in the rough. Unlock the full potential of this 4-bedroom, 2-bath mid-century modern gem nestled in the desirable Ladera neighborhood. Set on a private and spacious corner lot with mature landscaping, this home is brimming with opportunity for the savvy buyer to renovate and restore its original charm or build your dream home from the ground up. Convenient to the Ladera
Commanding, panoramic views that must be seen in person photos cant do them justice! This is a rare opportunity to build new or reimagine the existing home with a full makeover, bringing natural views into every corner of your living space. Nearly every window frames the stunning beauty of the outdoors. Experience the very best of California living, with an expansive, ever-changing
Perched in the peaceful Los Trancos Woods neighborhood of Portola Valley, 161 Los Trancos Road is a rare opportunity to bring your vision to life. This vacant 6,685 square foot lot comes with a full set of architectural plans- permit-ready- for a thoughtfully designed, two-story modern residence over a finished basement. The approved plans feature a 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom home with over 3,100
Mid-century modern diamond in the rough. Unlock the full potential of this 4-bedroom, 2-bath mid-century modern gem nestled in the desirable Ladera neighborhood. Set on a private and spacious corner lot with mature landscaping, this home is brimming with opportunity for the savvy buyer to renovate and restore its original charm or build your dream home from the ground up. Convenient to the Ladera
Commanding, panoramic views that must be seen in person photos cant do them justice! This is a rare opportunity to build new or reimagine the existing home with a full makeover, bringing natural views into every corner of your living space. Nearly every window frames the stunning beauty of the outdoors. Experience the very best of California living, with an expansive, ever-changing
Perched in the peaceful Los Trancos Woods neighborhood of Portola Valley, 161 Los Trancos Road is a rare opportunity to bring your vision to life. This vacant 6,685 square foot lot comes with a full set of architectural plans- permit-ready- for a thoughtfully designed, two-story modern residence over a finished basement. The approved plans feature a 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom home with over 3,100
Private, Open contemporary home. 5 Bedrooms, 3 baths, 3500sf.(per owner). Highly desired Central Portola Valley! Expansive Views of the Western Hills from Windy Hill to Woodside. Great Schools! Elementary schl 1 mile. Quick access to highway 280, Stanford Campus, shopping Recently Remodeled. Vaulted ceilings, Open floor plan including the Living room, Dining Room, Kitchen. Floor to ceiling
Views! Preeminent location on Franciscan Ridge with extraordinary sunrise and sunset views that span across Portola Valley, toward Stanford Dish, and beyond to the bay and Diablo Mountain range. This home is one of the largest Portola Valley Ranch homes, featuring 4 bedrooms plus an office, 3.5 bathrooms, an oversized living room with a fireplace, formal and informal dining adjacent to a chef's
Dulcy FreemanGolden Gate Sotheby's International Realty
This luxury summer rental, available August 1 through November 15 2025 for a minimum 1 month stay, is nestled in Portola Valley, a quiet town abutting the Santa Cruz mountains, yet just minutes from highway 280, and a few minutes further to Stanford University & Hospital and to major employers. The home is well equipped, tastefully appointed, fully furnished, and has 5 bedrooms, an office, an
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